Here's why:
* Sodium: When a nerve cell is stimulated, sodium ions rush into the cell, causing the inside to become more positively charged. This is called depolarization, and it's the basis of the electrical signal.
* Potassium: After depolarization, potassium ions flow out of the cell, restoring the negative charge inside. This is called repolarization, and it allows the nerve cell to prepare for the next signal.
These ion movements are facilitated by specialized protein channels in the cell membrane. The precise balance and movement of sodium and potassium ions are crucial for the efficient transmission of nerve impulses.
